Transporters of Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, Goats and Horses

FRAMEWORK OF COMPETENCE

TRANSPORTERS OF CATTLE, PIGS, SHEEP, GOATS AND HORSES

Scope

Knowledge of the legislation applicable to the welfare of animals during transport in particular on: general conditions for the transport of animals[2]; documentation requirements[3]; technical rules[4] i.e. on fitness for transport, means of transport; transport practices, watering, feed and rest times, space allowances; and,in the case of transport of over 8 hours, route planning and documentation[5].

Note that competence relevant only to the specific role and responsibility of the driver/attendant will have to be demonstrated.

Areas of Competence

1. Knowledge of the legislation relating to animal welfare and which body or organisation to contact with general questions, for example, about transport conditions, matters of law or documentation.

2. Knowledge of who is responsible for the welfare of animals before, during and after transport.

3. Knowledge of the powers of enforcement authorities to inspect animals, documentation and vehicles before, during and after the journey.

4. Knowledge of the relevant requirements of the Regulation for rest, feed and liquid relating to the species and age of animals to be transported.

5. Elementary knowledge of the causes of stress in animals; ability to recognise the signs of stress and ill-health, in particular heat and cold stress; and basic knowledge of the appropriate action to take.

6. Knowledge of the appropriate methods of handling animals during loading and unloading, including the use of visual fields and flight zones, lighting and the appropriate use of such things as sticks, boards, blindfolds and electric goads. Awareness of prohibited handling methods.

7. Knowledge of how to plan a journey taking into account such factors as maximum travelling times and required rest periodsand time taken to load and unload.

8. Knowledge to anticipate changing conditions and provide appropriate contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances.

9. Ability to load, operate and control a vehicle safely, efficiently and effectively so as to ensure the welfare of the animals.

10. Knowledge of Health & Safety Regulations and ability to identify and minimise risks.

11. Knowledge of vehicle construction and use requirements.

12. Knowledge of use of GPS equipment to record journey details[6] and how to submit record to competent authority when required to do so.

13. Knowledge of how to identify animals not fit for transport; to care for animals which become unfit or injured during transport; when to seek veterinary advice; and the limited circumstances when it is permissible to transport unfit animals for veterinary treatment or slaughter.

14. Knowledge of space allowancesand headroom, and the effects of overcrowding and under-stocking.

15. Knowledge of segregation requirements, taking into account species,gender, condition and age of the animalsbeing transported, and the method of transportation.

16. Understanding of the importance for animal welfare of temperature, both inside and outside the vehicle, including the effect on different species and the need for adjustment of ventilation and use of other methods of cooling.

17. Knowledge of how to optimise environmental conditions inside transport vehicle/container by appropriate and effective ventilation and to record temperature and humidity[7].

18. Knowledge of the authorisation requirements for transporters, when authorisation is necessary and when a journey log[8] or other documentation is required and how to complete the documents.

19. Ability to clean and disinfect vehicles and knowledge of when it is necessary to do so before and after the journey.

[1]Official Journal of the European Union L3 of 05.01.05

[2]Article 3 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

[3]Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

[4]Annex I of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

[5]Annex II of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005

[6]For journeys requiring a route plan i.e. to other member states or via member states to a third country.

[7]Recording only required for journeys of over 8 hours.

[8]To other member states or via member states to a third country.